headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
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Comments

Playin' In The Band
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

Spiritual cousin to 8/27/72 and 6/22/73. Brilliantly executed by all, with an especially amazing performance from Billy on the drums. Gorgeous rendition made even more enjoyable with the sound from Dap21 release. Needs to be heard by many and upvoted by many more out of the single digits as soon as is humanly possible. Come on, folks. This version is a true work of art.
Loose Lucy
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

^^^ Yeah, they sure do--there's a give and take between Jerry and Keith here that reminds me of the back and forth between Garcia and Mydland on Shakedown 4/6/82, and how about some props for Jerry nailing all the lyrics in this one? This whole version is way WAY better than the 4 votes it currently has at the time I'm submitting this. Slinky, funky groove, a version in keeping with this whole show being almost Just Exactly Perfect, Up it if you agree,
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

New Dap #21 shows off in best sound quality how good this version really is. Feeling Groovy jam just emerges out of thin air, wafting in like a gentle breeze and continuing seamlessly into IKYR. Outstanding version, should be much higher.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Dec. 11, 1972
Winterland Arena

^^^^ One reason I prefer this version to 8/2/172 is that this one has some musical separation between the "across the rio grand-ee-o" section. 8/2/172 launches straight into it after the "on my way" lyric and it's pretty jarring, especially since--another slight drawback to these '72's--Donna isn't exactly in tune, nor is Phil. Might seem a nit-pick point, but this version here has a nice little musical bridge before they launch across the lazy river, and that section is also better sung than 8/21/72 is.
Eyes Of The World
Aug. 30, 1978
Red Rocks Ampitheatre

What this is doing still hanging down around here in single digit votes is anyone's guess. I'm going on the theory that of the 3 versions on the archive, 2 of them have a brutal cut in the first jam break of this tune. But, problem solved: There's a Miller version (2nd set only) that has restored the cut section and what you're left with is a nearly 17 minute version that is one of the mellowest, but also jazziest and wonderfully flowing versions ever. I've already voted for this version and commented now twice, so I'm done, but honestly, this is a way better version than its spot on the ladder would indicate.
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